NewsRegister.com becomes subscription-based website

NewsRegister.com, the online platform for McMinnville's community newspaper, became a subscription-based website Wednesday.

Publisher Jeb Bladine made the announcement Friday, Dec. 7. Comments from readers and the publisher's updates have been posted on this article for nearly a week.

The website, which has served McMinnville and the Yamhill Valley since 1996, joins a growing legion of news sites across the country that now require subscriptions to access the bulk of its content.

"This is a decision we did not reach lightly. We've debated the pros and cons of this move for years," Bladine said in making the announcement. "But the time has come. We can't expect our print subscribers to pay for the newspaper and then give our work away for free to everyone else."

Existing newspaper subscribers can visit the website and request login information. Online access is included in each print subscription.

Non-subscribers will have the opportunity to sign up for a special $10 two-month newspaper/online subscription offer. More information on both options is available here - www.newsregister.com/subscribe-online

With the change, NewsRegister.com also launched Open Source, a community news blog located on the home page. The blog will combine reporting from the paper's news staff, submitted news and photos from readers (replacing the current ValleyEye submission page) and various social media parts.

Bladine said readers can expect timely coverage of local news with concise reporting online and more in-depth information in the following print edition. He emphasized that readers should not consider the website and the newspaper to be duplications. "We're now reporting local news in two distinctly different ways," he said. "An informed Yamhill Valley resident should be reading both the website and the newspaper."

The NewsRegister.com website will continue to serve both subscribers and non-subscribers. Some local information will be made available to everyone. That's especially true for urgent news stories involving public safety issues. "We will continue to be the go-to source for public safety and the urgent information the public need to know," Bladine said.

Other content available to everyone includes the online community calendar, local weather forecasts, special sections, quick access to links for other community websites, the HomeFinder real estate listings, legal notices, access to the Yamhill County jail roster, classified advertising and content generated by Open Source.

Paid content includes local news and sports reporting, news videos, the News-Register digital news archive and the electronic edition of the printed newspaper twice a week.

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Comments

TheDude

Well...it was nice debating with some of you folks!

03:17 pm - Fri, December 7 2012

NimbWhitIB

I guess I only got a couple days left to read about what's going on around Yamhill County. As things come up that I want to read about, I will buy the print edition accordingly. I hope Everyone has a great Christmas Season and Awesome New Year!

08:53 pm - Fri, December 7 2012

sellonline

I live and work in Mac. Looks like I'll be getting my local news elsewhere. What a bummer...

09:40 pm - Fri, December 7 2012

Rainydaygirl

So, if this subscription starts on Dec.12, why can't I access some of the content now? I get a message to 'subscribe to read this content'.

04:17 am - Sat, December 8 2012

Dances with Redwoods

'subscribe to read this content' is a message you will start to see more often than not. I think that people have become addicted to the idea that somehow online content should not only be free for the taking, but free to its making as well.

I try not to watch much television, and have made a conscious decision to spend less time on the Internet...but...I will continue to subscribe to the News-Register and pay for both the printed, as well as digital format.

05:20 am - Sat, December 8 2012

angela.flood

Does that mean that if you pay for a subscription to the web content, you will no longer have the ads? Local television doesn't charge for their content because they are supported by advertising. Willamette Week newspaper contains lots of ads, but both the paper and the web content are free. So, if you know have to pay for access to a website, it should be ad free (like paying for HBO).

06:10 am - Sat, December 8 2012

Dances with Redwoods

"....pay for access to a website, it should be ad free (like paying for HBO)."

But this isn't HBO .. it's a small town family owned newspaper that I am quite positive is not really in the market to compete with conglomerations. I could be wrong, but I don't think so.

Just curious, angela, have you seen the Bi-Mart ad in yesterdays edition of the N-R? I very recently purchased a West Bend Movie Theater (4 oz version) Popcorn maker for my grand kids. Cost me $79...Bi-Mart now has them priced at $59.

Now, in my mind, the savings realized from taking advantage of that one ad alone, is enough to pay for my next two months of subscription to the News-Register. At least that's how I view things.

People view things differently, obviously we all have our own perspectives. A couple of months ago I'd mentioned to my mother that I'd read an article about my (1969 junior year high school Art teacher Mr Basset) in the Fairmont-Sentinal.

The article had been written some years ago. She hasn't lived in that community since the 1950's, but she now is a paid subsciber to that newspapers printed version and recieves it by U.S mail six days a week out here on the west coast.

She respectfully declined the Sunday edition offer, though, as they don't have a 'Piggly Wiggly' down in Mountain View, California, to gleen any savings from it's advertisement inserts.

08:00 am - Sat, December 8 2012

retiredbs

@ Dances, you can accomplish the same results, I believe, by typing bi-mart.com into your browser. I just go to my McMinnville mailbox and it is always stuffed with advertisements. So no, the ads are not a reason for many of us to purchase the paper. I hope this change will shore up the News Register financially, but I'm not optimistic. I say this because of the changes they have made over the last few years. Each change was to extend the financial life of the paper, but apparently none have been successful enough as to forgo additional changes. If this change is not successful, what is next? Keep raising the price to those consumers who are left?

08:40 am - Sat, December 8 2012

angela.flood

When people are looking at their expenses, even for those who may have more wiggle room than others, they choose to keep the items that are most relevant. In order to stay relevant, a product has to be the best provider of the content. Given that the NR will change articles (with no mention of what was changed, or that it was even changed), report stories with no follow up (ex: what is the disposition of the election complaint Van Bergen filed?), and continues to report what they are given instead of being investigative (like we are just supposed to believe what we are fed, instead of providing documentation or resources that back up the 'news', they have created a position where they are no longer the best provider of the content. Its sad, but that's why people subscribe to blogs or visit topic specific websites (which are free). The lead folks at the NR have been offered people that will report on local events for no charge, to keep things relevant to local communities besides Mac, but have declined. Decisions made, business model decided. It is what it is.

08:59 am - Sat, December 8 2012

Major Pain

I'll support a local "small town" paper when they start taking their own advice and buy newsprint from a local company. How tragic that the News-Register preaches on buying local but doesn't themselves.

The News-Register has high hopes to charge residents for two news sources then doesn’t consistently or accurately report in the online version. Then has the nerve to shut down the one decent source of news we had only because that was free and the News-Register can’t compete.

11:37 am - Sat, December 8 2012

Rotwang

Well, the trolling's been fun, but after my print sub lapses I guess I'm out as well. I can't support this paper with its pro-drug-war editorial policy any longer.

11:39 am - Sat, December 8 2012

miataman91

Well, most of my family and relatives are dumping their paper subscription as soon as it runs out. This small company business does not understand shopping locally or supporting the community. There is hardly much local news in it anyway. Most of it is copied from the Oregonian or news stations. So, what are we really losing... Nothing in my opinion.

11:59 am - Sat, December 8 2012

Jeb Bladine

Major Pain,I assume you refer to the Georgia-based SP Newsprint plant of Newberg, from which we have purchased hundreds of thousands of dollars of newsprint over many years. A time came when a combination of issues related to plant capacity, consistent availability to us, and on-press performance of paper caused us to reduce, but not eliminate, that purchasing.We're saddened by the 2012 SP bankruptcy filing, but heartened by news of a new sheet from the Newberg plant.As for shutting down some other news source, that's simply a falsehood. If you are referring to an online news operation that started and eventually ceased publication in McMinnville, the only role played by the News-Register was our internal discussions about how difficult it is, from our own experience, to maintain a free local news website.Jeb BladineNews-Register

12:11 pm - Sat, December 8 2012

miataman91

I think that this is an interested train of thoughts from the public. It's entertaining to me to see how many excuses that the News Register can come up with to justify treating the small communities that are affected in the County. First you fire the local newspaper carriers, then you charge to view your paper online. I agree with 'retiredbs'. What's the next knife you're going to stab us with?

03:03 pm - Sat, December 8 2012

Kona

I think many of you are mixing up the News Register with a public service organization that gets revenue from taxpayers/governments. Ideally a local newspaper can fulfill both, but it can be very difficult for any business to satisfy both situations and make it work. Times are changing. Many businesses are in a fluid conditions with rapidly changing technology. Every business is organized to make a profit. The decisions that every business has to make should not be taken lightly. I am sure that considerable thought went into this. No reason to be upset. If the product appeals to you then you buy it, if not don't buy it. I think the News Register is a great product.

05:17 pm - Sat, December 8 2012

Jeb Bladine

miataman91,I’m sure you are a fine person with a loving family. I can only hope that whatever caused the bitterness you carry toward our company will ease over time. If you ever want to talk about what’s behind that bitterness, but not in a public forum, you know where we are. Here’s hoping you have a happy holiday season.Jeb Bladine, News-Register

07:58 pm - Sat, December 8 2012

Dances with Redwoods

I've enjoyed my online interactions with you retiredbs, have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

08:48 pm - Sat, December 8 2012

retiredbs

Dances I've enjoyed reading your words as well. I hope everyone enjoys the Holidays and has a better 2013 than this year. For myself, well I'll most likely be vacationing in Washington State! LOL

09:07 am - Sun, December 9 2012

Jeb Bladine

This comment string may be our last online interaction with people who "opt out" of following local news through the N-R or NR.com. So, for the next few days, I'll do a few proactive posts here to comment on the dynamics of community newspapers today and the evolution of our decision to limit full access to the website. Feel free to join in.For starters, here's one thing that keeps us going in the face of all the changes in modern communications:Years ago, a community survey that drew several thousand responses from Yamhill County residents included two simple questions: 1) Do you have a good public school system? and 2) Do you have good local government?At that time, 67% of subscribers and regular N-R readers said "Yes" to both questions. And equally interesting, 67% of non-readers said "No" to both questions. I think those results could be replicated in most places served by traditional community newspapers. It's a chicken-egg issue, of course: Do community newspapers create positive community outlooks among their readers, or are people with positive community outlooks drawn to community newspapers that highlight so much of what's good about the activities of local people. A bit of both, no doubt.There also is a lot of "bad news," rising in recent decades due to the increase in crime, drugs, economic challenges, etc. But for those who doubt the extent of "good community news" published on our pages, while you still have free access to our online newspaper archive, take a look through the 138,560 articles (current count) displayed in that archive going back to Jan. 1, 1999.

10:21 am - Sun, December 9 2012

skull crusher

You are acting like the News Register isn't making any money because of putting its content online for free. Sounds like this decision has been made out of pure greed! Many of your reporters wouldn't know an accurate story from a hole in the ground. See ya later. The s%$t that is written in this paper isn't worth Five cents a month to read.

01:46 pm - Sun, December 9 2012

buster

As with so many other small town newspapers I'm sorry for the News Register. It is sad, but I would say you have about 2 more years of trying to stay afloat before it's all over with. I've been reading the print issue and online for about 10 years now. Although some of the reporting is not done well, other news is, and is interesting to read. I always look forward to reading online while in Mexico for 6 months each winter, as well as the print issue while living in Dayton in the summer. I've always had the NR in my favorites on my computer so as to read anytime. I guess now I'll replace your quick link with Oregonlive and hope for some Yamhill County news there. Somehow the Oregonian has remained one of the best newspapers in the US. So sorry News Register....you are history, it's just a matter of how long you can hold out. I say two years max.......

06:28 pm - Sun, December 9 2012

Jeb Bladine

I have to admit, skull crusher, that we won't miss the unkind comments you've directed at our newspaper, the community, people portrayed in our stories and other online participants over the course of your 202 posts in the past 20 months. That, however, describes only a minority of your posts. We wish you well in finding new activities.And fear not, Buster -- we will be publishing long beyond your 2-year prediction. We are a business, and we'll adjust while continuing to provide communication services that many people value. Down-sizing isn't fun. It's happening at every Oregon newspaper, but like us, they will survive. Don't mistake prudence for demise.I appreciate your kind words. Maybe you're less connected to the local community, living here just half-time, but we hope you'll watch the website for content of interest.Much on our website will remain open to everyone. Web pages with "red background" will contain open-access content; pages with "blue background" will hold content limited to subscribers. Some free content on different digital platforms will be linked from our pages.All readers will still access classified ads, legal notices, real estate listings, events calendar, business listings and a variety of community information. A new "Open Source" blog will appear on Page 1, and there will be open access to news deemed important to public safety.As for "blue page" content, no apologies for that. The local jeweler does not give away watches, nor does the supermarket provide free food to everyone. The auto shop charges for parts, and after a few free tastes, area wineries want compensation for their product.I suppose it's appropriate for our situation to play out in public, since we "intrude" on the lives of others. That, however, is a subject for a later comment.

07:25 pm - Sun, December 9 2012

Probe

Wow, sounds like a lot of baggage being vented here. Like it or not, we live in a digital world. Personally, I would like it if once the stories are ready that they are immediately posted online. We then get the news much faster. I don't like to wait to get it in print as it old news by then. Contrary to some of the comments on here, I think there are a number of reporters that do a fantastic job at the N-R. It seems that going to all online content would be more "sustainable", likely more cost-effective, and we will get the news much quicker. So, I'm hopeful that the N-R continues to do the best job they can and be a continued partner in our community.

08:17 pm - Sun, December 9 2012

Jeb Bladine

Probe, your reference to “baggage” among some readers is a good lead-in for one last comment tonight:Some people dislike our newspaper for what we have published about them, their family, friends or causes. We understand that, but it's not easily changed.Five areas come to mind:1) We publish arrests, lawsuits and adjudications – the public record of local law enforcement and justice systems. Those named don't like it.2) We write stories about unusual cases, often with photographs. Some say we “convict innocent people without a trial.” We still believe we should inform readers in detail about alleged criminal activity in our community today, not months or years later.3) We report statements from government sources, public meetings and private interviews without the ability to verify all of them independently. If you disagree with those statements you might accuse the newspaper of inaccurate reporting. Our reality is that a newspaper must report news when it happens as best we can, not go off onto impossible missions to become the “arbiter of truth” on ever-evolving public affairs.4) People listen to identical discussions, watch identical events and read identical stories, yet walk away with different memories, impressions and opinions. One person's truth becomes another person's lie. Any hard news story is almost guaranteed to anger someone.5) We publish editorial opinions. If you disagree strongly, even with just one opinion among dozens that we publish, it might make you dislike all that we do.

We try not to take offense when people dislike us. We truly appreciate those who recognize that reporting and commenting on the news is an inexact science at best, and that charging a fee for providing expensive services is not a crime against humanity.

10:20 pm - Sun, December 9 2012

Dances with Redwoods

Jeb,

Will I be allowed to continue my current method of (monthly auto-bank-transfer) subscription payment plan? Secondly, will subscribers wishing to use any future commenting features also be required to join/open third party accounts with business' such as Facebook or Google+?

05:58 am - Mon, December 10 2012

Jeb Bladine

Dances,There is no change at this time in newspaper subscription process, rates or policies.Subscribers wanting full website access will complete a basic information form, and will be registered for website access that functions as it does now without requiring third-party accounts. In 2013, the system will allow website-only subscriptions for 1 day, 1 week or 1 month.Current user accounts will be eliminated, although I understand that comments from those accounts will remain on stories. Most website articles published prior to 2012 will be eliminated, but the permanent newspaper archive dating back to 1999 will remain accessible to subscribers.

07:20 am - Mon, December 10 2012

Dances with Redwoods

Thank you. As a person living on a fixed monthly income, I am grateful that the N-R's affordable easy payment plan, will remain in place.

08:11 am - Mon, December 10 2012

Jeb Bladine

Probe,Concerning your comment about timing for online stories:Our production flow still focuses primarily toward publication of the print newspaper – that's when most of our major stories “become ready” for publication. Of course, we still post breaking news on the website prior to newspaper publication days.You may have noticed the new e-edition of the print newspaper, which is posted online Monday and Thursday evenings prior to mail delivery of the newspaper Tuesdays and Fridays. That will continue to be available to subscribers, and new stories will be posted to the regular website display on Tuesday and Friday mornings.

08:22 am - Mon, December 10 2012

Call me John

i will probably subscribe in the future, i like that the NR reports on local stories and events and i enjoy reading it - it is sad that it will not be free, but few things in life are and i don't blame them! good luck to everyone.

08:30 am - Mon, December 10 2012

Jeb Bladine

Here is some additional information about the website transition:1) The required subscription is to the print News-Register, not to the website. Newspaper subscribers will receive website access at no additional cost.2) We’re offering a special subscription price of $10 for two months during this transition period. That price, without including the print edition, will be available to out-of-county residents who do not want to pay the much-higher postage cost.3) You can obtain new accounts now by clicking the “Create a New Account” bar at the upper-right of the page, and following directions. Doing that now will reduce chances of delay later.4) Current logins will work on the website until Wednesday, and then only new accounts will be able to login. When you request a new account, you will receive a temporary login right away, usable until you get a permanent account within one business day.More details to come.

02:16 pm - Mon, December 10 2012

Mack

Well, adios everyone. I have enjoyed posting comments over the last several months. I know some of my comments have been kind of cranky. If I have offended anyone I sincerely apologize. It has been fun to banter back and forth, especially with the regulars around here. Nobody's been able to turn me into a liberal but I do have more respect for them than I otherwise would have. As for the NR's decision to go to subscription, I have complete respect for it. I know what it is like to run a business and you have to do what is right for the business to succeed. I have no doubt that this change is necessary for the NR to stay afloat. I think Jeb is an honorable man and wouldn't make this move without it being necessary. As for me, I just don't think I want to subscribe. I'll probably just drift on to some other source of free news. But I truly enjoyed posting here. Adios.

03:15 pm - Mon, December 10 2012

Jeb Bladine

Mack’s comment makes me think of some questions we hope to answer:How many regular NR.com readers already subscribe to the paper?How many of those people will stop reading the news online because it now requires them to register and login to the website?How many people will subscribe in order to maintain access to online stories and the e-edition?Will the free content still available keep a flow of readers coming to the website?What will happen to the number – and the tone – of online reader comments with the change to subscriber-only access?It’s going to be a learning experience, to be sure. Whatever we learn will be applied to the next set of decisions about digital services to newspaper subscribers and others.Meanwhile, if you’re on the fence about the value of local news, you can take the very small plunge of investing $10 for 18 home-delivered issues of the News-Register and two months of website access.

07:39 pm - Mon, December 10 2012

BryanWorden

I was out but now I think I'm back in just based on Jeb himself calling out some of the nonsense. Those of you that aren't familiar with local business, I am guessing are the ones saying the NR doesn't support it. They do their best to get out and promote companies as they start, they use local labor for all of their operations. Maybe they don't buy local paper but sometimes there's a common sense factor that has to be followed. I grew up in a family business and we made all our own product that we could. When the city grew, we were asked to shut down our production plant. It was too close to the residential neighborhoods that had been built around our 40 year old company. There wasn't another company in the county that could produce what we sold. To say that the NR and Jeb don't support local business isn't fair. I see their name on a lot of events that happen around town. The fact that they had to terminate personal delivery is sad but again, it comes down to the common sense factor. The people that don't like the writing, I recommend you go to school for journalism and apply for your local paper to fix what you don't like. Sure, sometimes there are inaccuracies online but as a free source, I understood it as a chance at a glance of what was to be printed in the paper version. Not only that but when pointed out, they fixed the things that were truly wrong. I think everyone has just grown too spoiled with things being free on the Internet. I get the advert argument but at the same time, if they read the comments under some the stories, why would they advertise to some of the people that read?! I will admit, it sucks that its going to cost money now but I believe I will pay for the online edition just simply to get the headlines and a brief back story before buying the print. Jeb, keep up the good work. I hope the transition goes well and works the way you have forecasted.

09:20 pm - Mon, December 10 2012

buster

Jeb, I thank you for responding to my negitive post yesterday. Don't get me wrong, the last thing I want to see is another business go under in these hard times. With the way we travel each year I would hope you can do an online only subscription, without getting the paper issue, for a lower price. Who knows, that option might appeal to many and bring more $$ to the NR in the long run. Also, will the NR still be available at the grocery stores ect? You are right that nothing is free in this world. If people like your new online issue they will buy it....if the price is right. I'd say $4. per month or $40. for a year online only. A fair amount if you pick up a few thousand people plus the ones that want the subscription paper too. Best of luck and Happy Holidays.

10:21 pm - Mon, December 10 2012

Dances with Redwoods

"Don't get me wrong, the last thing I want to see is another business go under in these times."

And then he went on to say--->"....if the price is right."

Last month I purchased two (2) boxes of Twinkies for my wife, ten (10) to a box for only six (6) dollars a box out here at the 'the big store' on Grand Ronde Road.

Now, a greedy son of a bitch would have asked for more....times being how they are.

06:28 am - Tue, December 11 2012

Dances with Redwoods

Yeah...I miss the old five cent Twinkie, too.

06:30 am - Tue, December 11 2012

Jeb Bladine

Thanks, Bryan, Buster, Dances and others who might share some of their sentiments. Just a few responses:I started delivering newspapers 57 years ago, and no one regretted that business decision more than I did. Cost was a primary concern, but also risk: When the state of Oregon declared that newspaper carriers were employees, not independent contractors, it created major financial risk along with high current costs. And, by the way, those “rain-shine-sleet-snow” postal service carriers are “personal delivery” as well – we greatly appreciate not only their delivery services, but also the terrific assistance we received from area postmasters in the transition to mail delivery.Buster, you are correct that, like any business, we have to find the correct balance with pricing of our products/services. It’s a difficult balance because so much of our revenue comes from businesses paying to have their messages placed in the hands of local residents. We have to find what works for out-of-county readers who are not apt to respond to local advertising messages.Dances, Twinkies may be on the way out, but not news. In decades past it was about the same price for a paper and cup of coffee – 5 cents, then 10, then 25 and 50. That cup of coffee averages about $1.50 now, and our paper is $1 at the stands.One more day until the latest digital information experiment begins.

07:53 am - Tue, December 11 2012

treefarmer

Life is change, and so it goes. I have been reading the reactions to this article for a few days and will take this opportunity to add mine before the big transition.

I have been a subscriber to the N/R for more than 20 years, a contributor to the online community for a little more than a month. I value our local news source, appreciate the online forum, and have been grateful that solutions were found to keep things afloat. The alternative (dribs and drabs from the big city sources) is deprivation and lost connections. I believe we need to know what happens at our grass roots.

For the record, I have had only positive experiences with the N/R. From the kindness and sensitivity of the folks who helped me write an obituary, to the fair treatment received during a painful public dispute, to my recent questions about something I couldn’t find online, I have encountered professionalism and home-town hospitality with every contact. Thank you News Register. The grump-sters and their half-empty glasses do not speak for the majority. You are an invaluable asset to the citizens of Yamhill County.

~~~~~~~~~~Before we sign off here and move on, I need to leave a message for “Dances with Redwoods.” I mis-read your post about access to an article awhile back and left a slightly snarky and totally inappropriate response. A cyber “foot in mouth” moment. Please accept my apology? I look forward to reading your contributions in the new format.

12:44 pm - Tue, December 11 2012

Dances with Redwoods

treefarmer,As with the last person to have shanked me (actually stabbed me in my right lung a couple years back) you are forgiven for an act that I'd never laid blame to.Like I once stated in an article that Paul Daquilante wrote... "Sometimes accidents are just that."I like Paul, and something tells me, that I'd probably like you, too, if I ever got to know you.Michael Tubbs Sr49291 SW Hebo RoadGrand Ronde, Oregon 97347

01:05 pm - Tue, December 11 2012

Jeb Bladine

treefarmer,Are you one of our long-lost cousins? Just kidding ... Thanks for the kind words, which I hereby shower on all the great people who work for this company.Today, a dozen people with 20-plus years at our company met for lunch, including 7 with 25-44 years. Next week we recognize another 40 people with 5-plus years here. They're the best!I know some will think this comment-string was intended to fish for a comment such as yours, but that's not the case. It has been a welcome opportunity to pass along a few of myriad questions and thoughts that have come up in planning for this transition.See you, I hope, on the other side of that.

03:31 pm - Tue, December 11 2012

Jeb Bladine

Let me be the first to welcome people to the new “club.”Wednesday morning, we start activating website registration for people with something in common as subscribers to the News-Register. Our number of online readers will drop at first, increase over time, and perhaps become more interactive with us and each other because of that shared connection.Years from now, I’ll remember the exact day this happened:12–12–12.It’s one of the most symmetrically pleasing dates since 12–12-1212, exactly 800 years ago. So much for the numerology of the digitology for this newseology.Here’s the thing: We’re going to be more positive toward website readers in general because they are subscribers to our paper; we think website readers will be more positive toward each other for that same reason.The collective force – there is, I think, an actual collective force of such things – will help us improve both the print and online services to readers and the community.Thanks to all who participated in this discussion, and all who join in the new online experiment.

11:03 pm - Tue, December 11 2012

Dances with Redwoods

Thank you.

09:45 am - Wed, December 12 2012

troy prouty

I'm really big in supporting local. No prob Jeb.. Just do your best to be honest and always have integrity., I will always be there for ya..

thanks for the tour...

troy prouty*

"doing his best that he can at this moment (which is all we reaaly have)...

03:35 pm - Sun, December 16 2012

YamhillBoy

We've subscribed to your family's paper on and off for 45 years, including a few years that you sent it to us in Hawaii. Because we've moved around a lot, I've had the chance to read dozens of large and small newspapers. (Quite a pleasure since I graduated from Duck J-School.) The News-Register has been, without question, the best paper of its size I've read over the years.

"A newspaper is a citizen of its community," my old employer wrote. The N-R always has reflected that standard and responsibility. It's been an excellent mix of exceptional, well-presented photography, solId reporting, fascinating local columnists and important editorializing.

I grieve when obituaries (always considered local news) transform into just another source of ad revenue and when so much obvious effort and innovation has to be directed into "special sections/editions" in order to pay the bills. And, when traditions like paper carriers become only memories. However, it's understandable in these changing times.

Those who want to spend a lot of their time arguing out the irritations of the day can move to free blogs (or start their own). But, we all need a dependable newspaper--whether we buy it online or in the rack or both places--one that we can trust to have the community's interests foremost.

Here's hoping that you find ways to keep on keeping on, News-Register.